MONTERO by Lil Nas X

Both unapologetically queer and black, MONTERO is a step forward for minority representation while simultaneously cementing Lil Nas X as anything but a fluke or a “one-hit wonder.” This album feels like one of those “blockbuster” moments in popular culture due to how hotly anticipated this project was. Some of the biggest earworms of the year are on this album, including the incredible “Call Me By Your Name” as well as the absolute

banger “Industry Baby.” Producer “Take a Daytrip” combines his sharp and pristinely made beats with Lil Nas’s ear for catchy hooks for a satisfying listen. I was quite impressed with Nas’s range on this project, especially with the more somber moments on the album, particularly “Am I Dreaming?” and “Tales of Dominica.” However, the album falters a little bit towards the middle in terms of pacing, with songs like “Lost in the Citadel” and “Void” failing to go anywhere particularly spectacular like the rest of the album. Rating: 8/10

Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz

The day this album dropped, it was slightly overshadowed by more popular releases like Kanye West’s Donda and Drake’s Certified Lover Boy. It’s a shame that this was the case, because this album is miles above both of those albums in terms of quality. Little Simz continues to prove herself as one of the freshest and most creative hip-hop artists in the

world on this cinematic and delightfully creative new project. The hour and fifteen-minute runtime is completely justified as we are taken on an immersive, feminist-fueled journey through Simz’s life while she reflects on her career and success. “Woman” is a standout for its smooth production, swaggering flow. Tracks like “Point and Kill” celebrate Simz’s heritage both in its lyrics and instrumentation. This is a must-listen for hip-hop fans and it rarely falters. I urge you to listen to this album. Rating: 9/10

Umbra by Grayscale

In the pop-punk band’s newest release, they trade the rock-focused bangers for a more funk and groove-focused pop album in the vein of The 1975. For the most part, they succeed in

capturing this sound, even if it gets a bit repetitive towards the back end. The band’s biggest strength – which is primarily grand, sing-along type choruses with memorable riffs – is present here on this album. The standouts are the blistering single “Dirty Bombs,” the extremely fun “Motown,” and the tongue-twister “Bad Love.” Again, it’s a bit of a blur and the album is over before you know it, but it’s still a fun time nonetheless. Rating: 7/10

Optimist by Finneas

Finneas’s highly anticipated debut album is here and it brandishes Finneas’s creative production style and often heart-wrenching pen game. Songs like “The Kids Are All Dying,” “Medieval,” and “What They’ll Say About Us” reveal Finneas’s willingness to get political, which is always a treat because he handles these topics with poise. The ballads “Love is Pain” and “A Concert Six Months From Now” are written

really well and, while not particularly lush in their instrumentation, sound perfect in conjunction with their lyrics. “The 90’s” will throw you an absolute curveball in the final leg of the song that I can’t get enough of. However, the middle section of this album confuses me as he throws in the quite unnecessary “Peaches Etude” and a ballad that feels far less weighty and consequential called “Someone Else’s Star.” The closing track “How it Ends” is a bit of a weird one as well. It opts for an upbeat, dance-inspired sound that I go back on forth on whether I like or not. In his next album, I’m hoping for more bangers and fewer ballads. Rating: 7.8/10

For a playlist containing my favorite tracks from these albums, click this link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5RBVDssg93Xj1YeYWrQsyv?si=2beecb70d7dc4569